Can We Talk
By DanaCan We Talk? – A Movie with Racing Roots
By Dana Chaffin
On June 6, 2009, Can We Talk was released on DVD. This Christian movie explores sharing our burdens with others. As Christians we are instructed to encourage one another. Through the characters in this film you can see how God moves people into our path to help us. The movie’s story is just one part of the message. The story behind the filmmakers and the ministries that stream from that partnership make the message even stronger.
The Movie
Can We Talk is the story of a young man, Nate, who is trying to not only finish his senior year of high school, but also care for his younger sister. With no known father and an absent mother, Nate is left to provide for the household. The people in Nate’s community see him as nothing more than a trouble-maker, bad influence, & worthless, so he lives up to their expectations. He has made bad choices in trying to survive and ended up in trouble with the law. He only asks for help when pressured by losing custody of his sister. His help comes from a stranger, Aaron who takes responsibility for Nate and tries to help him find his way. He asks that Nate be able to do community service at the Kansas Auto Racing Museum with him. Aaron is troubled by guilt of a tragic racing accident in his past. He asks God to give him someone to help and that is what he got, Nate. Aaron finds that he may be the one who gets help from Nate. Together they overcome their troubles and become close friends. This is a touching story of how God puts people in our lives to help us deal with tough times. But are we listening?
Behind the movie
Can We Talk is the full-length film by Covenant Films, LLC and Emmanuel Pictures. Emmanuel Pictures is the movie ministry of Emmanuel Church in Abilene, Kansas. The partnership of Covenant Films and the church was a joint decision between filmmaker Doug Thompson and the congregation. They knew that this project was an adventure too big to handle alone, so approximately 60 church members joined the team. The group was used to help with building the set, serving food, holding the team accountable, and lots of prayer. Their goal was to honor God in the film. The idea was an example from the Kendrick brothers and their partnership with Sherwood Baptist Church to form Sherwood Productions that produced movies Fireproof, Facing the Giants, and Flywheel. They hope to be able to generate funds from this film to make future films.
Doug Thompson, Covenant Film president, is no stranger to the racing scene. He has been racing various types of stock cars since 1969. He has raced everything from dirt track ministocks to NASCAR Goody’s Dash Series. He has 356 feature wins and 9 track championships. Today Doug races a dirt track modified at Whiskey Lake Raceway in Kansas, the track featured in the film.
Doug and his wife opened the Kansas Auto Racing Museum. The 21-acre museum complex is located in the small town of Chapman, Kansas. The museum holds the first NASCAR and NHRA trophies. There are lots of restored race cars from different eras, photos and more. For more information about the museum go to: www.kansasautoracingmuseum.org.
Can We Talk has a very touching message. The DVD includes lots of extras. It shows the behind the scenes of making the movie and the characters. Also it contains remarkable footage at Emmanuel Church with a special service. It tells about Doug Thompson’s racing past and how God has been involved. The DVD can be purchased exclusively at www.canwetalkthemovie.com.
Dana Chaffin is a Christian freelance writer who has published many articles on faithwriters.com. Passionate about Christian film, her desire is to get the word out about Christian movies to as many people as possible Email cajd34@netzero.com
Finding a Church Family
By Carly“...exhort (encourage) one another daily...lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” Hebrews 13:3
Our word “church” is from the Greek ekklesia, “ek” meaning “out of” and “klesis” meaning “a calling.” It is never referred to in the Greek New Testament as a building where people meet, or a denomination; it is simply an assembly, a fellowship of the like-minded, exhorting and encouraging one another out of love. It is Biblical and correct for us to gather together to this end.
In the New Testament, the Early Church would gather and “break bread” together on a daily basis in their homes, occasionally teaching in synagogues. Soon after, the Church persecuted by the Romans met in secret, gathering in homes, tombs, or where ever they could. Many places in the world still meet like this. After the tolerance of Christianity by Constantine (313 AD), and later the establishment of it by Theodosius I as the state religion of Rome (380 AD), the idea of a temple, a “church building,” began to take shape. Throughout the Middle Ages, large basilicas and cathedrals were built, along with monasteries and smaller parish churches. So, this is the difference between a “Church,” the body of Christ or group of believers, and “church,” a building where the Church assembles.
While these two words do not mean the same thing, the truth is that the easiest way to find a Church, in most cases, is through a church. But, this is not usually as straightforward as it may seem. Denominations, politics, personalities – all of these things make finding a church difficult, not to mention personal preference in style and delivery. So what can you do to facilitate this process? Here are a few steps to guide you, which may be common sense but are better than starting from nothing.
First, actually visit churches. Many people who lament their lack of a church family do so whilst visiting them rarely or never.
Second, start with your denomination. It’s easier if you're Baptist or Lutheran, harder if you're Non-denominational; but it’s still a place to start. If you've visited all the churches that fit into your specific denomination and still haven't found a church family, expand your search to those denominations which have similar beliefs and values as your own. For instance, if you believe in pre-Tribulation rapture, don't visit a church which believes in post-Tribulation rapture. If you are a Dispensationalist, find a church that teaches Dispensationalism. Do a little research; a quick Google search will give you a denominational comparison.
If you just can't find a church family, don't assume that means you're not supposed to have Christian fellowship. There is actually more New Testament precedent for gathering in one's home or in a public place to break bread, pray, worship, and discuss God's Word. “...Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.” (1 Corinthians 14:26). In what we call the “church” today, there is not room for everyone to bring something. In a small group, there is!
Lastly, keep an open mind. Prayerfully consider your next step. Sometimes God wants us where we can be the most useful, not the most comfortable. And sometimes what we are comfortable with or what we are used to is not the best thing. Our lives are not our own; they belong to God, and we have given ourselves to Him by choice and by love. By doing so, we have agreed to His plan for us, superseding our plans for ourselves. Proverbs 16:9 says “A man's heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.” Let the Lord direct your steps to where you are supposed to be. Which person in the Bible lived his or her life the way it was planned? Did David finish out his days a shepherd, or Daniel a simple slave in Babylon, or Peter a fisher of fish? No! What God called them to was extraordinary and impossible in their own strength. What God calls us to is equally extraordinary and equally impossible without Him.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Creative Deployment Calendar Ideas
By ClaireWhen Bryan was away, Emma was only three. She was very close to her papa, so his absence was very hard for her to understand. As far as she was concerned, one day she had her papa every morning and every afternoon, and the next he was gone - completely gone! There was no way to really prepare her for it even though we had tried. I learned quickly to give her very concrete and tangible ways to stay connected to him.
One idea I had come across on various websites and blogs back then was the idea of a “deployment chain.” Of course the idea is also very well used anytime a parent will be gone for a period of time. The deployment chain is simply a chain made of construction paper rings. Each ring on the chain represents one day and each day the child gets to tear a ring off the chain to represent one more day gone until they reunite with the parent they are sorely missing.
It’s tangible and concrete. Young children (grammar school aged) are not able to, developmentally, grasp abstract concepts. The “future” is an abstract concept, so something that provides them with a visible representation of the “future.” It is also interactive and allows them to actively be involved in counting down to a very joyful day.
This past week I was developing calendars to use in home school this Fall and Winter, and I decided we would use these calendars for Emma to count down the deployment of her oldest brother and the time spent in BCT/AIT for her other older brother. Both are leaving within a month of one another, and she’s close to both of them. It can be hung any where in the house where the child can see it when he/she needs to remember that deployment does not last forever — even when it feels like it!
The calendars are season related themes for each month. Here is a description and supply list for our calendars, but you should make the calendars in any way that is meaningful and fun for you and your child. I will try and post a picture of September’s calendar when we finish.
September:
Supplies needed: construction paper, pencil, scissors, glue, tape, 30 “leaves” (either cut out from a pattern on fall colored construction paper OR I bought a garland full of fake Fall leaves), marker, adhesive putty.
- Figure out the size you would like your calendar to be.
- Cut out a “tree trunk” from brown construction paper. Use pencil to trace a pattern before you cut.
- Cut out “tree top” from green construction paper. This what you will tape the leaves to. Glue trunk and top together with overlap of trunk hidden in the back.
- Assemble and number the leaves to match the days of the month (i.e., Tuesday, 1st) — on each leaf put a second number that represents how many days until mid-deployment leave, redeployment, or other date when the child will see his/her parent.
- Either tape or use adhesive putty to attach the leaves to the tree top. You can put the leaves in order (what I recommend for toddlers) or you can jumble them up and have a leaf search each day, making a little game of it. What ever method you use to hang the leaves be sure the child can take a leaf down each day. The “fallen leaves” represent the days that are done. You can create a “pile of raked leaves” with the ones taken down, or find another creative way to display them.
October
Supplies needed: construction paper, glue, marker, scissors, tape, adhesive putty
- Figure out the size you want your calendar to be.
- Cut out several long and curvy thin strips of green construction paper for your pumpkin vine - keep the desired size of your calendar in mind.
- Cut out 31 pumpkins. You can allow your child to decorate them as jack-o-lanterns, color the stem at the top green, and clearly write the days of the month on them. On each pumpkin put a second number that represents how many days until mid-deployment leave, redeployment, or other date when the child will see his/her parent. They can also write notes on the pumpkins to the parent they miss each day and these can be sent to the deployed parent or saved for homecoming sharing time.
- Either tape or use adhesive putty to attach the pumpkins to the pumpkin patch “vine” you created earlier. You can put the pumpkins in order (what I recommend for toddlers) or you can jumble them up and have a pumpkin search each day, making a little game of it. What ever method you use to attach the pumpkins, be sure the child can “pick a pumpkin” each day. The “picked pumpkins” represent the days that are done. If you have a small basket you can place the pumpkins in it, or you can tape them up or send them to your deployed spouse.
For November I am planning on doing a turkey with the feathers representing the days of the month, and December will be a red and green construction paper chain garland, numbered the same way. If you need patterns to help with any of the above mentioned ideas, do a google search for “child crafts pattern leaf” or “child craft pattern pumpkin” etc. Enjoy, and please write me and let me know if you use the ideas I give here, or if you come up with your own. Pictures are always welcomed too!
Operation Back To School
By PattiGreetings!!
I'm a US Army chaplain serving with the 1-227th ARB (Apache helicopter) battalion in Camp Taji, Iraq. I'm with a committee of Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors, and contractors who want to have the "biggest" humanitarian event around the base.
What is TEAM TAJI's OPERATION: Back to School?
It is Camp Taji's service project to help Iraqi schoolchildren get ready for the new school year.
Who are we?
We are Team Taji. Military, civilian, and contactor personnel deployed to Camp Taji, Iraq. We are not affiliated with any organizations (military, religious or otherwise). We are comprised of Camp Taji volunteers who would like to make a difference in the lives of local Iraqi schoolchildren.
What is our Purpose?
- Help needy Iraqi schoolchildren with "Back to School Kits"
- Show the Iraqi people that Camp Taji truly cares about them
- Demonstrate to the Iraqi children the importance of education
- Continue to enhance our relationship with the Iraqi people.
What is our Goal?
- Unite the people of Team Taji to participate in this community service project
- Make this the "Mother of All" school supply drives! Biggest in the history of OIF!
- Collect over 10,000 "Back to School Kits!"
- Distribute the school kits to needy schoolchildren in rural Iraq
- Have fun while helping the Iraqi schoolchildren and also Make History!
How You Can Get Involved?
- Talk to your unit representative to volunteer
- Through your Family Readiness (or Support) Group, have your family and friends back in the states purchase and send you the needed school supplies no later than 15 October 2009.
- All the department stores in the U.S. are having "back to school" sales right now. The entire "kit" could be purchased under $8.00.
What Makes Up a Back To School Kit?
- ? 1 Composition Notebook ? 1 Small Box of Colored Pencils (NOT Crayons)
- ? 3 Plain Folders w/ pockets ? 1 Package of Paper (wide rule) ? 1 Blunt Tip Scissor
- ? 1 Ruler ? 1 small pencil sharpener ? 1 large eraser
- ? 1 zipper pencil pouch ? 1 dozen pencils
- Please all put these items inside a large 2 gallon size Ziploc bag
- Please ensure that these items do not have imprinted religious or political messages.
- We also request that all donated items be unused.
Soccer Ball Donation
- Iraqi kids love to play soccer. We've received numerous inquiries regarding soccer ball donations. Although the OPERATION: Back to School drive is focused primarily on school supplies, we welcome donations of soccer balls. If you would like to donate a soccer ball, please send a small air pump along with the deflated soccer ball and we will distribute them to the schoolchildren.
OPERATION: Back to School Timeline
- Concept Briefings to Tenant Commanders : Now
- Form Steering Committee, Collection Committee and Distribution Committee
- Collection Time Period: Now - 15 October 2009
Main Point of Contact: Chaplain Christopher Weinrich, 1-227 ARB, Christopher.Weinrich@iraq.centcom.mil
How Can Unit Commanders and Civilian Directors Assist the Project?
- Appoint a unit point of contact to represent your unit.
- Encourage everyone to participate and to help out needy Iraqi Kids.
- Encourage personnel to get their families involved in the collection.
- Be part of the largest humanitarian project in the AOR!
- Challenge "sister" organization on number of "Back to School" kits collected.
- Provide Operation: Back to School with logistic support.
- Provide advice if you have experience w/ large scale humanitarian projects.
Frugal School Shopping
By Patti
Looking at the calendar, I was surprised that sure enough it's August and the kids return to school soon. This means, school shopping yet again.
Didn't I just buy the kids new book bags, folders, pencils, school shoes?
I guess not.... I guess that was months ago...
I decided to head out to the PX this morning to see if they had any good deals. A few of the clothing items were on sale, I picked up three shirts for my youngest daughter. All three were on sale... I managed to walk out of the PX with three new shirts, for $28 not too bad... the PX did not have school supplies on sale - besides their wooden rulers, which were only .25 cents.
We ventured over to Walmart after our time at the PX. Walmart always has the cheapest school supplies. .98 cent boxes of crayons and markers (Crayola), we also found a pretty good deal on paper, folders and notebooks. The notebooks at Walmart were only .15 - yes, that's only fifteen cents!
I will be heading to consignment shops next week to check out the deals on school clothes...
Do you have any sales you would like to let others know about? Let us know by posting a comment here!
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